City News

Seoul Global Center begins business start-up classes for foreigners

06/22/2010SMG2335

The Seoul Global Center, on June 14, started the “Foreign Business College” program designed to help foreign residents here achieve business success. The program has around 40 enrollees taking part in the three-week program that ends on July 3.

The classes feature a basic program and a more in-depth program on internet business, restaurant business, trade and consulting.

An expert consultant will be conducting lectures on labor and financial issues. All classes are conducted in English and run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Classes are held at the Seoul Global Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Press Center in downtown Seoul.

Enrollees receive one-on-one consultation sessions to help them establish a successful business. The program plans to support the placement of potential employees and the building of a community to expand exchange opportunities.

Seoul City will be holding the business program regularly, with the next round to begin on Sept. 3 and the one thereafter on Nov. 4.

The Foreign Business College was formed in April 2009 to help foreign residents in Seoul start a business. The program has had a total of 139 students up until now. Since its launch, 11 individuals from seven countries, such as Singapore, New Zealand, France, and the United States, have managed to found a successful business in the areas of wholesale, retail, information-technology development, consulting and education, Seoul City said.

It noted that most of the enrollees are “very” satisfied with the program.“Because the program is very practical, I want to strongly recommend it to foreigners who dream to get involved in business. It is also a good place for building friendships with people of similar interests,” a native from Poland said.

The Foreign Business College has developed its programs through careful study of the individual needs gathered through consultations by a foreign business expert at the Seoul Global Center. We also plan to run a program to promote foreigners’ business plans and also to help create jobs at the same time,” a Seoul City official said.